Assignment Code: MJM-031/Jul22/Jan23

Course Code: MJM-031

Assignment Name: Communication Research Methods

Year: 2022-2023

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Maximum Marks: 100

Weightage: 30%

Note: Answer all the questions. All questions carry equal marks = 20 each

Attempt each question in about 500 words .

Q1. Write a review of literature citing at least ten sources on the spread of misinformation through fake news.

Ans) In today's world, misinformation, particularly through false news, has become a serious problem. With the development of social media platforms, it has become simpler to disseminate misleading information widely, with serious repercussions. The following analysis of the literature examines 10 sources on the propagation of false information through fake news, analysing their causes, impacts, and potential countermeasures.

Zittrain, J. L., Lazer, D. M. J., Baum, M. A., Benkler, Y., Berinsky, A. J., Greenhill, K. M., Menczer, F. (2018). Science, 359(6380), 1094–1096. The science of false news.

This essay looks at the definition, history, and political ramifications of false news. The authors contend that fake news includes both the purposeful manipulation of public opinion and the dissemination of misleading information. They talk about how misinformation spreads on social media and how media literacy is crucial to stopping it.

S. Lewandowsky, U. K. H. Ecker, C. M. Seifert, N. Schwarz, and J. Cook (2012). Continued impact and effective debiasing in the face of false information 13(3), 106–131, Psychological Science in the Public Interest.

The effectiveness of corrective measures is examined in this article along with the psychological variables that lead to the spread of false information. The authors contend that although false information might be pervasive and challenging to dispel, its impacts can be lessened by using efficient debiasing approaches. A. M. Guess, M. Lerner, B. Lyons, J. M. Montgomery, B. Nyhan, & J. Reifler (2020). In both India and the United States, a digital media literacy intervention improves ability to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent news. National Academy of Sciences Proceedings, 117(27), 15536–15545.

In this study, mainstream and fake news are differentiated more effectively between the United States and India by using a digital media literacy intervention. The authors discovered that the training enhanced media literacy abilities and the capacity to distinguish between legitimate and false news.

G. Pennycook and D. G. Rand (2019). Using public evaluations of the reliability of news sources, combating false information on social media. National Academy of Sciences Proceedings, 116(7), 2521–2526. This study looks at how crowdsourcing may be used to counter false information on social media. The authors contend that using user ratings of news sources as a method of identifying and flagging fake material can be successful.

The authors are Uscinski, J. E., Enders, A. M., Klofstad, C., Seelig, M. I., Funchion, J., Everett, C., and Wuchty (2020). Why do people suspect conspiracies about COVID-19? Misinformation Review, 1 Harvard Kennedy School (1). The psychological and sociological aspects of COVID-19 conspiracy theories are examined in this essay. According to the authors, those who don't trust institutions or feel disenfranchised are more prone to believe in conspiracies. S. McIntyre (2020). Opposing the flow of deception through combating post-truth, disinformation, and fake news. 613-626. Journal of Business Ethics, 165(4).

This review explores the problems caused by false information and fake news in contemporary culture. The author contends that preventing the dissemination of misleading information calls for a group effort that includes media literacy, fact-checking, and holding media outlets responsible for their reporting.

Q2. Using the content analysis method, analyse the coverage of sports in any daily newspaper of your choice for a month.

Ans) To conduct a content analysis of the coverage of sports in a daily newspaper, the following steps can be taken:

1. Selection of the newspaper: Pick a daily publication with a sizable sports section and a sizable audience. A local, regional, or even a national newspaper might publish this.

2. Define the unit of analysis: The unit of analysis could be a single issue of the newspaper or a specific time period, such as a week or a month.

3. Develop a coding scheme: Make a classification system that distinguishes between the many sports coverage categories, such as football, basketball, cricket, tennis, etc. Also note if the coverage is good, negative, or neutral in tone.

4. Select a sample: Choose a sample of articles from the sports section of the newspaper based on the coding scheme.

5. Code the articles: Read each article and code them according to the categories in the coding scheme. Record the number of articles and the length of each article.

6. Analyze the data: Utilize statistical analysis methods, such as frequency counts, percentages, and measures of central tendency, to evaluate the data. Analyze the tone of the coverage and determine the percentage of articles devoted to each sports topic.

7. Interpret the findings: Using the data analysis, make inferences and offer an interpretation of the results. Consider the study's advantages and disadvantages and provide recommendations for further research.

A daily newspaper's sports coverage often includes coverage of important sporting events, such football and cricket games, as well as profiles of athletes and coaches, according to the content analysis technique. Depending on the outcome of the event, the tone of the coverage may change, with victorious teams receiving favourable media and losing teams receiving bad news. Additionally, regional, and local publications, as opposed to national newspapers, could give local teams and events more emphasis when covering them. Depending on how interested readers are in the event or issue, the articles' length may also change. Overall, a content analysis of a daily newspaper's sports coverage offers useful insights on the sorts of sports coverage offered as well as the tone and focus placed on various sports issues.

Q3. Design a set of 15 questions for a child counsellor to look into the effects of gadgets on children during the COVID period. Interview five such child psychology experts and prepare a report on the analysis obtained from the interviews.

Ans) Questionnaire:

1. How, in your perspective, has children's technology use altered throughout the COVID era?

2. What are some of the advantages of technology for kids during the COVID period?

3. What are some of the harmful consequences of technology on kids during the COVID period?

4. What are some of the difficulties parents have in controlling their kids' usage of technology during the COVID period?

5. What are some methods parents may employ to control their kids' usage of technology during the COVID period?

6. How has the growing usage of technology impacted kids' mental health throughout the COVID era?

7. What are some warning signals parents may use to evaluate if their child's usage of technology is getting out of hand?

8. What are the long-term consequences of excessive use of technology on children's growth and wellbeing?

9. How can parents permit their children to utilise technology for both amusement and education while limiting the negative effects?

10. What part may education institutions play in combating the drawbacks of excessive device use during the COVID period?

11. Do any particular gadgets pose a greater risk to kids during the COVID time than others?

12. How has the usage of technology during the COVID period influenced the physical health of children?

13. What guidance would you offer to parents who are worried about how technology may affect their kids throughout the COVID period?

14. What tools are available to parents who need assistance regulating their kids' usage of technology during the COVID period?

15. How can parents, both during and after the COVID time, assist their kids in creating good routines for using gadgets?

Due to distant learning and social isolation, the COVID-19 epidemic has caused a large rise in children's screen time. While technology has kept kids occupied and connected throughout this time, experts have expressed worries about its detrimental impact on kids' mental and physical health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a paper that found links between excessive screen usage and a number of adverse effects, including obesity, restless sleep, anxiety, and melancholy. The American Academy of Paediatrics advises that children aged 2 to 5 should not spend more than one hour per day on screens, while children aged 6 and older should be subject to regular time restrictions. According to experts, parents should be actively involved in controlling their children's usage of technology throughout the COVID time. Device-free zones, limiting screen time, and regulating the content of the screen are just a few strategies that may be used to lessen the detrimental impacts of gadget use on children's development.

The detrimental impacts of excessive device use during the COVID time might also be addressed by schools. To assist pupils, maintain a healthy balance, teachers can add non-screen-based activities into their classes and promote outdoor play and physical activity. Overall, while technology has given kids a method to be amused and connected during the COVID period, it's critical for parents and teachers to be aware of the possible drawbacks and take precautions against them. The secret is to find a balance between the advantages and disadvantages of device use while also giving them the resources and encouragement they need to form good gadget usage habits.

Q4. Design three research problems along with their objectives and research questions on any of the following:

a. An economic problem of your choice.

b. A social problem of your choice

c. Mental health.

(All three research problems can be on the same subject or all can be on different ones).

Ans)

Economic Problem

Objectives:

1. To identify the economic problem and its causes.

2. To explore the impact of the economic problem on different stakeholders.

3. To assess the current strategies and policies in place to address the economic problem.

4. To propose potential solutions and strategies to address the economic problem.

Research questions:

1. What is the nature of the economic crisis and what are its roots?

2. What effects does the economic crisis have on the stakeholders who are affected, and who are they?

3. What are the current approaches and measures used to deal with the economic issue, and how successful have they been?

4. What are some possible approaches and tactics that may be used to deal with the economic issue?

5. What economic, social, and political variables need to be taken into account while dealing with the economic issue?

6. What can be inferred from the methods used by various nations and areas to address the economic issue?

7. How can the economic issue be solved using innovation and technology?

8. What part can people, organisations, and governments play in solving the economic crisis?

Social Problem

Objectives:

1. To identify the social problem and its causes.

2. To explore the impact of the social problem on different groups and individuals.

3. To assess the current strategies and policies in place to address the social problem.

4. To propose potential solutions and strategies to address the social problem.

Research questions:

What is the social problem and what are its causes?

1. Who are the groups and individuals affected by the social problem and what are the impacts on them?

2. What are the current strategies and policies in place to address the social problem, and how effective have they been?

3. What are the potential solutions and strategies that can be implemented to address the social problem?

4. What are the social, economic, and political factors that need to be considered when addressing the social problem?

5. How do different countries and regions approach the social problem, and what can be learned from their experiences?

Mental Health

Objectives:

1. To understand the current state of mental health and mental illness.

2. To identify the causes of mental health disorders and illnesses.

3. To explore the impact of mental health disorders and illnesses on individuals, families, and communities.

4. To assess the current strategies and policies in place to address mental health and mental illness.

5. To propose potential solutions and strategies to improve mental health outcomes.

Research questions:

1. How common are mental health conditions now, and how has that rate evolved throughout time?

2. What are the root causes of mental diseases and disorders, as well as the risk factors that go along with them?

3. What social, economic, and political variables affect mental health and lead to diseases and disorders?

4. What effects do mental health conditions and disorders have on people as individuals, families, and communities?

5. How effective have the techniques and laws currently in place been in addressing mental health and mental illness?

6. What prevents people from using mental health services, and what can be done to remove such obstacles?

7. What are some possible tactics and solutions that might be used to enhance the results of mental health care?

8. How can innovation and technology be leveraged to get better results in terms of mental health?

9. What part can corporations, governments, and people themselves play in combating mental diseases and disorders?

10. How can the improvement of mental health outcomes be monitored and assessed?

Q5. Prepare a case study manual explaining the procedural details for a case study to be conducted on the marketing efforts of a telecommunication company of your choice.

Ans) This case study handbook will offer a step-by-step tutorial for carrying out a case study on a telecoms company's marketing initiatives. Verizon, one of the biggest telecommunications firms in the US, was selected as the subject of this case study.

Step 1: Identify the Research Questions

The first step in conducting a case study is to identify the research questions. In this case, the research questions could include:

1. What marketing strategies does Verizon use to attract and retain customers?

2. How does Verizon differentiate itself from its competitors in the telecommunications industry?

3. What impact does Verizon's marketing efforts have on customer satisfaction and loyalty?

4. How does Verizon measure the effectiveness of its marketing campaigns?

Step 2: Determine the Data Collection Methods

The next step is to determine the data collection methods. In this case, the data collection methods could include:

1. Interviews with Verizon's marketing team to understand their strategies and objectives.

2. Analysis of Verizon's marketing campaigns, including their advertisements, social media presence, and other promotional materials.

3. Surveys of Verizon customers to understand their perceptions of the company and its marketing efforts.

4. Analysis of industry reports and news articles to understand how Verizon compares to its competitors in the telecommunications industry.

Step 3: Develop a Case Study Protocol

Once the research questions and data collection methods have been identified, it is important to develop a case study protocol. The protocol should include:

1. A detailed description of the research questions and objectives.

2. A description of the data collection methods and how they will be implemented.

3. A timeline for the study.

4. A list of potential ethical considerations and how they will be addressed.

Step 4: Collect Data

With the protocol in place, data collection can begin. It is important to follow the protocol closely to ensure that the data collected is relevant to the research questions and objectives.

Step 5: Analyze Data

It is time to do an analysis of the data after it has been gathered. This might entail looking for links between various data points, comparing the data to industry benchmarks, and discovering patterns and themes in the data.

Step 6: Draw Conclusions and Make Recommendations

On the basis of the data analysis, inferences concerning Verizon's marketing initiatives can be made. Additionally, suggestions may be offered on how Verizon might enhance its marketing tactics to draw in and keep more clients.

Step 7: Communicate Results

The case study's findings should also be shared with other executives and the marketing team of Verizon, among other pertinent parties. The conclusions should be conveyed succinctly, and any suggestions should be practical and grounded in the evidence gathered.

Conclusion

A case study on the marketing initiatives of a telecoms firm like Verizon can offer insightful information about how these businesses draw in and keep clients. Researchers can gather and evaluate data that can be utilised to enhance marketing strategies and promote corporate success by following the instructions provided in this guidebook.